Clamping and support apparatus for a vehicle side mirror assembly and mirror assembly including same

ABSTRACT

A clamping and support apparatus, for mounting on a tubular shaft, is usable as part of a vehicle side mirror assembly. The clamping and support apparatus includes a clamping member having an open configuration and a closed configuration and including a base having a raised boss thereon with an integral furrow formed therein to receive a side of a tubular shaft. The integral furrow is arcuate in cross-section, and the base further has a first flange extending outwardly thereon adjacent the raised boss. The clamping member also includes a cap including a half sleeve having an interior and an exterior, the half sleeve being integrally formed with the base and cooperating therewith to define a hollow space therebetween, the half sleeve further being attached to the raised boss at a side of the integral furrow. The clamping member has a V-shaped groove formed therein at the attachment of the half sleeve to the base, the V-shaped groove facing toward and communicating with the hollow space in the clamping member. The half sleeve and the base together define a living hinge adjacent the V-shaped groove, whereby the half sleeve may be pivotally moved towards the base to form a substantially cylindrical bore in the hollow space therebetween. The cap further includes a second flange extending outwardly from the half sleeve opposite the V-shaped groove, and the second flange is alignable with the first flange when the clamping member is in the closed configuration thereof. The cap has a first contoured surface formed thereon at the exterior of the half sleeve. A support member is also provided for aligned abutting placement against the clamping member, the support member having a second contoured surface which is alignable and nestable with the first contoured surface of the clamping member to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a remotely adjustable mirror assembly includes the clamping and support apparatus as described, as well as an adjusting member mounted to the support member for adjusting spatial orientation of a mirror, the adjusting member being electrically connectable to a power source for adjustment thereof. A mirror is attached to the adjusting member and is adjustable thereby, and a cover is further provided for protecting the clamping member, the support member, and the adjusting member from inclement weather.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a clamping and support apparatus, which is usable as a part of a vehicle side mirror assembly, for mounting to a side of a truck or bus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clamping and support apparatus which includes a support member and a clamping member, which is alignable with the support member, to restrict movement of the support member with respect thereto. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention relates to a remotely adjustable mirror assembly which includes the clamping and support apparatus as a component thereof.

[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0004] Many types of side mirror assemblies are available for permitting a vehicle driver to see behind a vehicle. Remotely controlled side mirror assemblies conveniently allow a driver to adjust a mirror, which is outside a closed window or beyond arm's length, while remaining seated in the driver's seat.

[0005] Some examples of motorized and electrically controlled side mirror assemblies for passenger cars are known, and these mirror assemblies promote convenience and facilitate adjustability of the mirror by a small or frail person.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,899 to Oskam discloses a remotely controlled device for adjusting a vehicle side mirror. While the apparatus of Oskam is beneficial and useful, it does not make up a complete side mirror assembly.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,049 to Schmidt et al. discloses a mounting assembly for mounting a mirror to a fender of a truck or bus, which includes a novel clamping member having a living hinge incorporated therein, allowing two sections thereof to close in a jaw-like manner about a mirror support post. The '049 Schmidt patent is commonly assigned with the present invention.

[0008] A need exists for a clamping and support apparatus in which a first member is alignable with, and restricts movement of, a second member. A need also exists in the art for a remotely adjustable side mirror for a truck or bus, which uses easily alignable components to facilitate assembly thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a clamping and support apparatus for mounting on a tubular shaft, including:

[0010] a) a clamping member having an open configuration and a closed configuration and including:

[0011] (i) a base having a raised boss thereon with an integral furrow formed therein to receive a side of a tubular shaft, the integral furrow being arcuate in cross-section, the base further having a first flange extending outwardly thereon adjacent the raised boss;

[0012] (ii) a cap attached to the base and including a half sleeve having an interior and an exterior, the cap having a first contoured surface formed thereon at the exterior of the half sleeve, the half sleeve being integrally formed with the base and cooperating therewith to define a hollow space therebetween, the half sleeve further being attached to the raised boss at a side of the integral furrow;

[0013] the clamping member having a V-shaped groove formed therein at the attachment of the half sleeve to the base, the V-shaped groove facing toward and communicating with the hollow space in the clamping member, the half sleeve and the base together defining a living hinge therebetween adjacent the V-shaped groove, whereby the half sleeve may be pivotally moved about the living hinge and towards the base to form a substantially cylindrical bore in the hollow space therebetween;

[0014] the cap further including a second flange extending outwardly from the half sleeve opposite the V-shaped groove, the second flange being alignable with the first flange when the clamping member is in the closed configuration thereof,

[0015] b) a support member for aligned abutting placement against the clamping member, the support member having a second contoured surface which is alignable and nestable with the first contoured surface of the clamping member to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment hereof, the present invention provides a remotely adjustable side mirror assembly for mounting on to the side of a truck or bus. A side mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention, generally, includes:

[0017] a) a clamping member for mounting on a support post, the clamping member having a first contoured surface;

[0018] b) a support member for supporting an adjusting member, the support member having a second contoured surface, which compliments the first contoured surface of the clamping member and is alignable therewith, to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member;

[0019] c) an adjusting member mounted to the support member for adjusting spatial orientation of a mirror, the adjusting member being electrically connectable to a power source to provide for adjustment thereof;

[0020] d) a mirror attached to the adjusting member and being adjustable thereby; and

[0021] e) a cover for protecting the clamping member, the support member, and the adjusting member from inclement weather.

[0022] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the first or the second contoured surfaces has a groove formed therein for receiving a rib, and the other of the first or the second contoured surfaces has an outwardly extending rib thereon for placement in the groove of the one surface, to facilitate alignment of the support member and the clamping member, and to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member.

[0023] The side mirror assembly of the present invention may further include a support post, mountable to a vehicle fender, for holding the mirror at a preferred height. The side mirror assembly may further include an intermediate spacer plate between the adjuster member and the mirror.

[0024] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a remotely adjustable side mirror assembly which includes component parts which are readily alignable and can be easily assembled.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a clamping and support apparatus for mounting on a tubular shaft, the apparatus including a clamping member having a first contoured surface, and a support member having a second contoured surface which is alignable with the first contoured surface to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member.

[0026] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the reader is referred to the following detailed description section, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a remotely adjustable side mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a clamping member and support member, which together make up a clamping and support apparatus which is a subassembly of the assembly of FIG. 1, with a closed configuration of the clamping member shown in solid lines, and an open configuration thereof shown in phantom;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1, with an internal adjusting member shown in phantom, and with curved arrows showing the directions of possible movement of the mirror by the adjusting member;

[0030]FIG. 4 is a mixed cross-sectional and side plan view, taken along a vertical plane, of the mirror assembly and support post hereof;

[0031]FIG. 5 is a side view, partially cut away, of the internal structure of the assembly hereof, showing how the mirror is pivotally adjustable about a horizontal axis; and

[0032]FIG. 6 is a top view, partially cut away, of the inner workings of the assembly hereof, showing how the mirror is pivotally adjustable about a vertical axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] Referring now to the drawings, a remotely adjustable side mirror assembly, in accordance with the present invention, is shown generally at 10. The assembly 10 is particularly suited to be used in conjunction with a truck or bus (not shown) to enable the driver thereof to see things at the side and rear of the vehicle.

[0034] This discussion will first describe the component parts of the assembly 10 in a general overview, and then will discuss each component in greater detail. The assembly 10 includes a clamping member 12 which clamps on to a support pole 14 which is mounted to a fender (not shown) of a vehicle, in conventional fashion. The pole 14 may be included as an optional part of the assembly 10, but is not required. A support member 16 abuts against the clamping member 12, and an adjusting member, for adjusting the position of a mirror 20, is fixedly mounted to the support member 18. An intermediate spacer plate 22 may, optionally, be provided between the adjusting member 18 and the mirror 20 to cushion against shock. A cover 24 is also provided as a required part of the assembly 10 to protect the clamping member 12, the support member 16, and the adjusting member 18 from inclement weather.

[0035] Clamping and Support Apparatus

[0036] The clamping member 12 and support member 16 together make up a clamping and support apparatus 30 for mounting on a tubular shaft, such as the support post 14. The clamping and support apparatus 30 is an independent subassembly according to the present invention, and could be used in other applications besides the mirror assembly discussed here. The clamping and support apparatus 30 includes a clamping member 12 having an open configuration, shown in phantom in FIG. 2, and a closed configuration shown in solid lines in FIG. 2. The open configuration of the clamping member 12 may be wider than what is shown in FIG. 2, to accommodate a tubular shaft.

[0037] The clamping member 12 includes a base 32, having a raised boss 34 thereon with an integral furrow 36 formed therein to receive a side of a tubular shaft, such as the support post14. The integral furrow 36 is arcuate in cross-section, as shown. The base 32 further includes a first flange 38, extending laterally outwardly thereon, adjacent the raised boss 34. The raised boss 34 extends out on the base 32 to form an arcuate side wall 35 of the base.

[0038] The clamping member 12 also includes a cap 40, including a half sleeve 42 having an interior 44 and an exterior 46. The half sleeve 42 is integrally formed with the base 32, and cooperates therewith to define a hollow space 48 therebetween. The half sleeve 42 is attached to a high point of the side wall 35, at a side of the integral furrow 36 opposite the first flange 38.

[0039] The clamping member 12 has a V-shaped groove 50 formed therein at the attachment of the cap 40 to the base 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the V-shaped groove 50 faces toward, and communicates with, the hollow space 48 in the clamping member. The half sleeve 42 and the base 32 together define a living hinge 52 therebetween adjacent the V-shaped groove 50, whereby the cap 40 may be pivotally moved, about the living hinge 52 and towards the base 32, to form a substantially cylindrical bore in the hollow space 48 therebetween.

[0040] The cap 40 further includes a second flange 54 extending outwardly from the half sleeve 42 opposite the V-shaped groove 50, the second flange being alignable with the first flange 38 when the clamping member is in the closed configuration thereof.

[0041] In the depicted embodiment, the cap 40 also has third and fourth flanges 56, 58 extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof, and cooperating to define a receptor plate 60 on the exterior 46 of the half sleeve 42. The receptor plate 60 is bounded on the side edges thereof by a pair of first and second raised ribs 62, 64. The receptor plate 60 and the first and second ribs 62, 64 work together to provide a first contoured surface 66, formed on the clamping member 12, at the exterior 46 of the half sleeve 42.

[0042] As noted, the clamping and support apparatus 30 hereof also includes a support member 16 for aligned abutting placement against the clamping member 12. The support member 16 is generally formed in the shape of a flattened rectangular support plate 68, in the depicted embodiment, with a pair of third and fourth ribs 70, 72 extending outwardly thereon, the third and fourth ribs being inset a short distance from the side edges of the support plate 68. The support plate 68 and the third and fourth ribs 70, 72 work together to form a second contoured surface 74 on the support member 16. The second contoured surface 74 is alignable and nestable with the first contoured surface 66 of the clamping member 12, by placing the third and fourth ribs 70, 72 inside the first and second ribs 62, 64, to restrict movement of the support member 16 with respect to the clamping member 12. The third and fourth ribs 70, 72 are spaced apart just enough to fit snugly in between the first and second ribs 62, 64, when the support member is abuttingly aligned with the base 12.

[0043] Those who are skilled in the relevant art will realize that many different shapes, such as, e.g., raised bumps and corresponding valleys, cylindrical posts and bores, or non-linear ribs and corresponding grooves, to name but a few examples, could be used for the first and second contoured surfaces 66, 74, and would be equivalent to the depicted embodiment.

[0044] Adjustable Side Mirror Assembly

[0045] As previously noted herein, in a preferred embodiment hereof, the present invention provides a remotely adjustable side mirror assembly for mounting on to the side of a truck or bus. A side mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention, generally, includes the clamping and support apparatus 30 as previously described, plus an adjusting member 18, a mirror 20, and a cover 24.

[0046] The adjusting member 18 is provided for adjusting spatial orientation of the mirror 20, and attaches to the support member 16 using conventional fasteners 75. The adjusting member 18 is preferred to be a remotely controllable electric mechanism which is electrically connectable to a power source (not shown) to provide for adjustment thereof. A suitable device which may be used as the adjusting member 18 hereof is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,899 to Oskam, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0047] Pivotal movement of the mirror 20 around both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis is achievable by the adjusting member 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. FIG. 3 uses curved arrows to show that the mirror 20 is pivotally adjustable, on the support post 14, about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. FIG. 5 is a side view of the adjuster assembly and mirror, with a curved arrow and partial phantom outlines to show pivotal movement of the mirror 20 about a horizontal axis. FIG. 6 is a top view of the adjuster assembly and mirror, with a curved arrow and partial phantom outlines to show pivotal movement of the mirror 20 about a vertical axis.

[0048] For manual applications, a simple ball and socket joint (not shown) may be used in place of the adjuster member 18.

[0049] An intermediate spacer plate 22 may, optionally, be provided between the adjusting member 18 and the mirror 20, but the spacer plate 22 is not required. Where used, the spacer plate 22 is formed from a thin, flexible, semi-rigid plastic material, acts as a spacer and shock absorber, and is attached to the adjusting member 18 with conventional fasteners 76. The mirror 20 is preferably formed from a reflective plastic material to resist breakage thereof. The mirror 20 may be glued, welded or otherwise attached to the spacer plate 22 where the spacer plate is used, or may be directly attached to the adjusting member 18 using glue or conventional fasteners where the spacer plate 22 is not used.

[0050] The cover 24 is provided for protecting the clamping member 12, the support member 16, and the adjusting member 18 from inclement weather. The cover has a hole formed in the bottom thereof to receive the support post 14 therein. The cover 24 is made of metal or plastic, is generally C-shaped in cross section, as shown in FIG. 4, and is attached to the base 32 of the clamping member 12 in conventional fashion.

[0051] The side mirror assembly of the present invention may further include a support post 24, mountable to a vehicle fender, for holding the mirror 20 at a preferred height.

[0052] When the side mirror assembly is being assembled, the clamping member is initially in its open configuration, and is placed over the top of the support post 14. The clamping member is then closed around the support post, and the first and second flanges 38, 54 are fastened together, such as by passing a rivet (not shown) through one or more holes 77 formed through both flanges. The attachment of the first and second flanges 38, 54 together makes the clamping member grip the top of the support post 14 tightly to hold it in place thereon. Preferably, the cover 24 is attached to the clamping member by the same operation. Then, the intermediate spacer plate 22 is attached to the movable outside 80 of the adjustment member 18, such as by fasteners 76, and the support member 16 is attached to the fixed inside surface 82 of the adjustment member 18. The mirror 20 is affixed to the spacer plate 22, and the subassembly of the support member, the adjuster member, the spacer plate 22 and the mirror 20 is installed as a unit into the cover 24 in such a manner that the support member 16 abuts against the clamping member 16 in an aligned configuration. As previously noted hereinabove, the second contoured surface 74 of the support member 16 fits nestingly into the first contoured surface 66 of the clamping member, placing the third and fourth ribs 70, 72 of the support member inside the first and second ribs 62, 64 of the clamping member, to restrict movement of the support member 16 with respect to the clamping member 12. An electrical power connector 84 plugs into a socket 86 on the adjuster member 18 to provide power thereto.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the preferred embodiment could be made which would be operable. All such modifications which are within the scope of the claims are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 

Having, thus, described the invention, what is claimed is:
 1. A clamping and support apparatus for mounting on a tubular shaft, comprising: a) a clamping member having an open configuration and a closed configuration and comprising: a base having a raised boss thereon with an integral furrow formed therein to receive a side of a tubular shaft, the integral furrow being arcuate in cross-section, the base further having a first flange extending outwardly thereon adjacent the raised boss; a cap comprising a half sleeve having an interior and an exterior, the half sleeve being integrally formed with the base and cooperating therewith to define a hollow space therebetween, the half sleeve being attached to the raised boss at a side to the integral furrow, the clamping member having a V-shaped groove formed therein at the attachment of the half sleeve to the base the V-shaped groove communicating with the hollow space in the clamping member, the half sleeve and the base together defining a living hinge adjacent the V-shaped groove, whereby the half sleeve may be pivotally moved towards the base to form a substantially cylindrical bore in the hollow space therebetween, the cap further comprising a second flange extending outwardly from the half sleeve opposite the V-shaped groove, the second flange being alignable with the first flange when the clamping member is in the closed configuration thereof, the cap having a first contoured surface formed thereon at the exterior of the half sleeve; b) a support member for aligned abutting placement against the clamping member, the support member having a second contoured surface which is alignable and nestable with the first contoured surface of the clamping member to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member.
 2. A side mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising: the clamping and support apparatus of claim 1, an adjusting assembly attached to the support member which allows for pivotal movement around both horizontal and vertical axes; a mirror attached to the adjusting assembly, and a cover for protecting the clamping member, the support member, and the adjusting member from inclement weather.
 3. The side mirror assembly of claim 2, further comprising an intermediate spacer plate which fits between the adjusting member and the mirror.
 4. The side mirror assembly of claim 2, further comprising a support post for mounting the assembly to a vehicle fender.
 5. The side mirror assembly of claim 3, further comprising a support post for mounting the assembly to a vehicle fender.
 6. A remotely adjustable side mirror assembly, comprising: a) a clamping member for mounting on a support post, the clamping member having a first contoured surface; b) a support member for rigidly holding an adjusting member, the support member having a second contoured surface which compliments the first contoured surface of the clamping member and is alignable therewith to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member; c) an adjusting member mounted to the support member for adjusting spatial orientation of a mirror, the adjusting member being electrically connectable to a power source to provide for adjustment thereof; d) a mirror attached to the adjusting member and being adjustable thereby; and e) a cover for protecting the clamping member, the support member, and the adjusting member from inclement weather.
 7. The mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein one of the first or the second contoured surfaces has a groove formed therein for receiving a rib, and the other of the first or the second contoured surfaces has an outwardly extending rib thereon for placement in the groove of the one surface, to facilitate alignment of the support member and the clamping member, and to restrict movement of the support member with respect to the clamping member.
 8. The side mirror assembly of claim 6, further comprising an intermediate spacer plate which fits between the adjusting member and the mirror.
 9. The side mirror assembly of claim 6, further comprising a support post for mounting the assembly to a vehicle fender.
 10. The side mirror assembly of claim 8, further comprising a support post for mounting the assembly to a vehicle fender. 